Project Brief
The USAID Health Equity Resource Optimization (HERO) project is led by Kenyatta University in collaboration with Abt Associates. The project seeks to enhance health outcomes through improved Domestic Resource Mobilization for sustainable financing of essential health services, improved financial and social protection systems for health, and improved availability and use of quality evidence to inform policy, planning and implementation of health services. USAID HERO is supporting 10 counties in Kenya and engages key stakeholders from the national government and local communities represented by local civil society organizations.
USAID HERO Project Objectives
Domestic Resource Mobilization
By working with public and non-state actors at both national and county levels the USAID HERO mechanism seeks to increase resource allocation to the country’s health sector and increase efficiency, equity, and effectiveness in their use. This is doine using the systems thinking approach to mobilize more resources for health.
Financial & Social Inclusion
The government agenda on UHC aims to ensure everyone—irrespective of their financial status—can access quality health care without suffering financial hardship. Financial protection and social inclusion are key to addressing health inequities and ultimately achieving UHC. USAID HERO supports the government systems for targeting the vulnerable populations by working closely with the MOH at the national and county levels through the GOK’s flagship National Social Protection Secretariat (SPS), the Social Health Authority, civil society, community members and other stakeholders.
Evidence Generation & Use for Decision Making
Healthcare users, planners and policymakers in Kenya need access to evidence in useful and relevant formats. USAID HERO is addressing the problem of sub-optimal use of data for decision making. The project collaborates with GOK and other stakeholders to develop and institutionalize in-country capacity for evidence generation, use, and dissemination to inform policy, planning, budgeting, and other processes. We offer expert-led guidance on sustainable health financing to support delivery of health services – specifically strengthening capacity of public institutions, policy think tanks and the academia on the generation, analysis, and use of data to inform budget advocacy, policy practice, and efficiency in the health sector.
Leadership Team
Dr. Isaac Chome,
Deputy Chief of Party
Deputy Chief of Party
Dr. Chome is an innovative public health expert with over 13 years’ experience in integrated service delivery in HIV/AIDS, Reproductive Health, Maternal Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) and Health Systems Strengthening. He is experienced in managing health programs through the project cycle, strong monitoring and evaluation skills, reports writing, capacity building and team development.